Principal Software Developer

Are you seeking a high-impact opportunity? Join us as a hands-on Principal Software Developer to guide the design and architecture of critical system components for the flagship Lightspeed Retail product, utilized by thousands of global merchants.

You will personally contribute to key system parts, delivering innovative solutions that meet customer needs. A core part of this role involves upleveling engineering craft across the organization by providing technical guidance, promoting best practices, mentoring engineers, and empowering teams to build a sustainable architecture.

This role requires location in Canada and the ability to work within EST/EDT hours. We offer flexible work environments: fully remote, partially remote, or fully office-based (in cities with local offices).

What you'll be responsible for

• Ensure new initiatives are supported by well-designed and scalable systems.
• Analyze existing systems and infrastructure to identify opportunities for architectural improvement, duplication reduction, and enhanced performance/robustness.
• Identify recurring patterns leading to incidents and non-project overhead, developing plans to address them.
• Drive significant improvements in systems reliability and performance.
• Improve development practices across the board, from design reviews and testing/deployment to incident management.
• Conduct architectural deep-dives and mentor key members across all services teams.
• As a senior engineering team member, play a key role in developing a high-performance culture within the Retail organization.
• Contribute to wider organizational objectives, even if tasks fall outside the strict scope of the role.

What you'll be bringing to the team

• 15+ years of professional experience in software development.
• 5+ years of experience serving as a technical leader for multiple teams.
• 2+ years of experience managing architecture across multiple teams (35+ engineers).
• Proven history of developing business-critical systems at scale, running on the cloud.
• Track record of delivering key business outcomes under challenging timelines.
• Experience across multiple technology stacks (e.g., Go, PHP, Java, RoR, Python).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas concisely.
• Ability to moderate technical conversations, manage diverse opinions, and make quick decisions.

Even better if you have (Preferred Qualifications)

• Expertise in distributed systems and building multi-region cloud systems.
• Deep expertise in domain-driven software development.
• Ability to lead and guide a team of engineers while contributing alongside them.
• Retail or Ecommerce domain experience.
• Experience with people management responsibilities.

Who you are

• Passionate about software development with a customer-focused mindset.
• A team player who collaborates with and helps grow other developers.
• Understand the need for constant improvement, self-growth, and accountability.
• Step up to lead features, solve complex problems, and research new technologies.
• Set ambitious goals and act with a sense of urgency and focus.

What's in it for you (Benefits & Perks)

• Join a growing team with limitless growth opportunities.
• Amazing benefits & perks, including equity for all Lightspeeders.
• Constant development of both skill-set and business acumen.
• High autonomy and flexible work culture.
• Innovation time dedicated to exploration and learning at work.
• Opportunity to shape the company by joining cultural & technical committees.
• Tons of growth opportunities into technical or people management roles.
• Opportunity to join a fast-paced, high-growth company and make your mark within the diverse and inclusive Lightspeed family.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Lightspeed equity scheme (we are all owners).
• Flexible paid time off and remote work policies.
• Health insurance.
• Contributions to your pension plan - RRSP.
• Health and wellness benefit of $500 per year.
• Paid leave and assistance for new parents.
• Mental health online platform and counseling & coaching services.
• Training opportunities to grow your skills and career.
• Volunteer day.
• Fully stacked kitchen (hot and cold beverages, meals served) and happy hours (for office-based staff).

Compensation Details (Ontario)

The reasonably expected total compensation for this position is in the range of $210,000 - $235,000 CAD. Compensation varies based on skill set, qualifications, experience, and market data. Lightspeed provides various employee benefits including medical, dental, wellness, life and disability insurance, RRSP plan and match, paid parental leave top-up, and paid time off. This compensation information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within Ontario.

About Lightspeed

Founded in Montréal, Canada in 2005, Lightspeed powers the businesses that are the backbone of the global economy. Our one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale, and provide exceptional customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution transforms and unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions, and connection to supplier networks.

Lightspeed is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: LSPD). Serving retail, hospitality, and golf businesses in over 100 countries, we have teams across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Lightspeed is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and barrier-free workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.